O/A cutting VERY sloppy

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It's probably me to begin with.... but I'm trying to cut a wood stove apart that is all 1/4" boiler plate. Set-up is a Harris Torch model 85 with No.1 cutting tip (used), new Harris regulators, new hose. 5psi acetylene, 30 psi O2. My cuts are really sloppy, lots of slag, and actually melt back together often.I thought maybe I was going too slow, but if I speed up, I lose the pre-heat and stop cutting. The cutting is along a horizontal line. Is the tip the wrong size? I just set this outfit up with parts from here and there...mostly ebay stuff. Could this be caused by a bad tip? Thanks for any help! It's been over 10 years since I've used a torch and even then it was very little.
Reply:Originally Posted by Valkyrie RiderIt's probably me to begin with.... but I'm trying to cut a wood stove apart that is all 1/4" boiler plate. Set-up is a Harris Torch model 85 with No.1 cutting tip (used), new Harris regulators, new hose. 5psi acetylene, 30 psi O2. My cuts are really sloppy, lots of slag, and actually melt back together often.I thought maybe I was going too slow, but if I speed up, I lose the pre-heat and stop cutting. The cutting is along a horizontal line. Is the tip the wrong size? I just set this outfit up with parts from here and there...mostly ebay stuff. Could this be caused by a bad tip? Thanks for any help! It's been over 10 years since I've used a torch and even then it was very little.
Reply:There really is a pretty fine line between getting really clean cuts & what you are describing.   I'd suspect your tip being bad or dirty.    If adjusted properly as loudnproud stated earlier. when you are actually cutting metal your kerf line (the metal that is being consumed & blown out) should be very thin & nearly perfect round on the leading edge of your cut.  If that leading edge looks split or similar to the letter B you either have a bad or dirty tip.   Having to much pressure on your cutting orfice can also cause poor cuts & rounding over of the top of the cut.IF IT WORKS, DON'T FIX IT2 Lincoln CV-300 / LN-7 GMALinde-VI 253,400 & 450 w/MIG35 feedersCNC Table with Oxweld O/A & Hypertherm 1250G3Lincoln Ranger GXT 250Hobart-MicroWire 300ESAB Heliarc 161ESAB-Mobilemaster 2 CC/CV Feeders& more
Reply:The size tip you should be using is a 00. The #1 is for 5/8 to 1", IIRC. Also, are you sure that is 'steel' plate? Most stoves, at least the smaller kitchen types, were iron castings which doesn't cut nearly as easily as steel.
Reply:Thanks for the advice! From what you geys are saying, I think my problem is both a bad/dirty tip and also it's too large. I know the proper size is a 00, I just never seem to get out of work early enough lately to get to the LWS to get a new one! The tip I'm using now you can actually SEE that the outer holes are a bit ovaled and some are larger then the others. I'll get a new tip and report my findings ASAP.As for the stove construction, it's a steel stove for sure. I have had cast stoves before and being a plumber I see plenty of cast iron pipe. This is a fully welded steel boiler plate stove.